The word “trees” shows up more than 200 times in the Bible. Discover why it may not just be “the heavens that declare the glory of God” but also trees.
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The Bible mentions trees more than 200 times throughout the Old and New Testament. From Genesis to Psalms to Matthew and into Revelation, it seems as though many significant theological events in the Bible are marked by a tree. As we consider the significance behind many of the trees included throughout Scripture, may we discover that not only do the heavens declare the glory of God, but so do trees. As we ponder the crucial role trees play in how the story of the Bible is told, let’s look for God’s fingerprints wherever we see a tree or a branch or a bush or a root or some kind of fruit mentioned in a passage. And as we notice the trees in our world a little more, may they help point us to God.
Reflect
* Read the verses connected with this episode below. As you reflect on the Scripture, what stands out to you?
* Genesis 18:1 ( https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2018%3A1&version=NIV )
* Genesis 21:33 ( https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2021%3A33&version=NIV )
* Deuteronomy 16:21–22 ( https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy%2016%3A21-22&version=NIV )
* Judges 9:8–15 ( https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Judges%209%3A8-15&version=NIV )
* 1 Kings 19:4–5a ( https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Kings%2019%3A4-5&version=NIV )
* Isaiah 11:1 ( https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%2011%3A1&version=NIV )
* Jeremiah 1:11 ( https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah%201%3A11&version=NIV )
* Ezekiel 17:24 ( https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezekiel%2017%3A24&version=NIV )
* Daniel 4:10–12 ( https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Daniel%204%3A10-12&version=NIV )
* John 1:48–50 ( https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%201%3A48-50&version=NIV )
* In Genesis 2:4–9 ( https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%202%3A4-9&version=NIV ) and Genesis 2:16–17 ( https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%202%3A16-17&version=NIV ) we read about the tree of knowledge. Why did God want to protect Adam and Eve from this one tree?
* How do Psalm 1:3 ( https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%201%3A3&version=NIV ), Psalm 52:8 ( https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2052%3A8&version=NIV ), Psalm 92:12 ( https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2092%3A12&version=NIV ), and Proverbs 15:4 ( https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2015%3A4&version=NIV ) describe what it looks like to be flourishing in our Christian life?
* What can we learn from the warning we read in Matthew 7:15–20 ( https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%207%3A15-20&version=NIV )?
* How do Acts 5:30 ( https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%205%3A30&version=NIV ), Romans 11:17–18 ( https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%2011%3A17-18&version=NIV ), and Galatians 3:13 ( https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians%203%3A13&version=NIV ) point to Jesus redeeming us from our sin?
* How do the mentions of the tree of life found in Revelation 2:7 ( https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation%202%3A7&version=NIV ) and Revelation 22:1–2 ( https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation%2022%3A1-2&version=NIV ) encourage you?
* Based on Psalm 1:3 ( https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%201%3A3&version=NIV ), Matthew 7:15–20 ( https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%207%3A15-20&version=NIV ), Luke 6:43–45 ( https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%206%3A43-45&version=NIV ), and James 3:12 ( https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James%203%3A12&version=NIV ), what are some of the signs of a good tree vs. a bad tree?
Respond
(Use this prayer to start a conversation with God)
“Dear God, thank You for telling us of Your goodness and glory even through trees. Help me to think of Your lovingkindness, provision, and protection when I read about the beautiful array of trees in Scripture and see the trees You have placed along my path. Help me to join the heavens and trees in declaring Your glory!”
Discover more about the topics in this episode with these recommended resources
Mentioned in this episode:
* Reclaim Today: Prayers for Ordinary Moments ( https://go.odb.org/dtw-ordinary-prayers )
* The Hidden Life of Trees ( https://www.amazon.com/Hidden-Life-Trees-International-Communicate/dp/0008218439/ref=asc_df_0008218439?tag=bingshoppinga-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=79852242641835&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=105238&hvtargid=pla-4583451720923486&psc=1&msclkid=9d2ebbe2c67616ee1a43d20d6e14ed17 )
Listen:
* The Orchard ( https://go.odb.org/dtw-the-orchard )
* The Connected Life ( https://go.odb.org/dtw-the-connected-life )
Read:
* Wonder ( https://go.odb.org/dtw-wonder )
* How Firm a Foundation (…
Discov…